Costco Shoppers’ 6 Biggest Complaints Right Now

Costco has built a loyal following with its bulk bargains, affordable food court, and popular Kirkland Signature products. For many Americans, a trip to the warehouse is more than a grocery run. It is a chance to stock up on household favorites while discovering something new. But even devoted Costco shoppers have their frustrations.

Recent customer discussions have raised questions about everything from bakery quality to chicken packaging and disappointing produce. Some shoppers say familiar favorites no longer deliver the same experience, while others are frustrated by small inconveniences that make shopping less enjoyable.

Not everyone shares these complaints, and experiences can vary between warehouses. Still, these six issues have become recurring talking points among Costco customers.

The Bakery Muffins Aren’t Winning Everyone Over

Costco’s bakery has long attracted shoppers looking for generously sized treats at reasonable prices. However, some customers are questioning whether the muffins and other baked goods still deserve their reputation.

According to Food Republic’s November 7 report, shoppers have criticized certain bakery products for being overly sweet, having artificial-tasting flavors, and lacking the texture they remember. The muffins have attracted particular attention.

Costco changed its muffin offerings in late 2024, replacing the previous deal of 12 larger muffins for $9.99 with smaller eight-count packages priced at $6.99, as Delish reported.

The newer Blueberries & Cream Muffins are sold in packages of eight, with each muffin weighing approximately four ounces.

For shoppers who enjoyed the previous larger muffins, the change represents more than different packaging. Some feel they are paying for a product that no longer delivers the familiar bakery experience.

Others continue to enjoy Costco’s baked goods, suggesting that customer preferences and individual warehouse experiences play a significant role.

Rotisserie Chicken Bags Are Creating a Mess

Costco’s $4.99 rotisserie chicken remains one of its most recognizable bargains. Yet the chicken itself isn’t necessarily what’s getting customers to complain. It is the packaging.

Costco replaced its traditional rigid plastic containers with flexible bags in 2024 as part of an effort to reduce plastic use.

While the change has an environmental purpose, some shoppers dislike the practical experience.

An October report from Tasting Table described complaints about greasy bag exteriors, leaking juices, and condensation collecting inside the packaging.

Some customers also believe the trapped moisture leaves the chicken skin softer than they prefer.

For anyone placing a hot chicken alongside other groceries, a messy bag can be frustrating. Shoppers who appreciated the convenience of the old containers may find the new packaging less comfortable to handle.

Despite these complaints, the chicken’s affordable price still makes it an appealing purchase.

The disagreement largely centers on whether reducing packaging material has come at the expense of convenience.

Raw Chicken Breasts Are Raising Quality Complaints

Buying chicken in bulk can simplify meal planning, especially for households preparing several dinners in advance.

Unfortunately, some Costco shoppers say their chicken purchases have been disappointing.

A November 7 report from Mashed highlighted customer complaints about raw chicken breasts with unusually tough, stringy, or fibrous textures.

Other shoppers described unpleasant odors and packaging that failed to contain liquids.

Costco sells Kirkland Signature Fresh Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts in multipacks averaging approximately six pounds. According to Costco’s product listing, the product uses vacuum-packed, leak-resistant packaging.

However, the online complaints do not consistently identify the exact chicken product involved.

For customers who buy large packages expecting to prepare multiple meals, discovering an unpleasant texture after opening the package can make the purchase feel less worthwhile.

Some shoppers report better experiences with other chicken cuts, while others say they have not encountered these problems.

The complaints don’t prove Costco chicken quality has declined across all locations, but they show how strongly customers value consistency when buying groceries in bulk.

Fresh Produce Doesn’t Always Last as Expected

A large container of strawberries can look like a bargain until some of the fruit starts deteriorating before anyone finishes it. That frustration comes up often in discussions about Costco’s fresh produce.

According to Mashed’s coverage of membership drawbacks, some shoppers have complained about strawberries developing spoiled spots or mold shortly after purchase.

Others have described broccoli becoming discolored or developing an unpleasant odor sooner than expected.

Costco sells strawberries in two-pound packages, according to its official product listing. While this quantity may work well for larger households, smaller families can struggle to finish everything before it deteriorates.

There is also an important distinction between produce that appears disappointing soon after purchase and produce that goes unused because the package is too large.

Both situations can leave shoppers wondering whether the bulk purchase was worth it.

For anyone tempted by Costco’s generous produce packages, the practical question is whether the household can realistically use the entire amount. Sometimes, buying less is the better bargain.

Some Shoppers Say the Hot Dog Buns Are Getting Worse

Few Costco food court offerings inspire as much loyalty as the famous $1.50 hot dog and soda combination. The price remains a major attraction, but some customers are unhappy with one particular part of the meal. The bun.

A November 5 report from The Takeout described shoppers complaining that Costco’s hot dog buns appeared smaller, felt softer, or broke apart too easily.

Some customers also noticed buns without the sesame seeds they remembered.

For people who expect a substantial hot dog tucked neatly inside its bread, a bun that splits or fails to hold everything together can make an otherwise inexpensive meal frustrating.

However, the reports do not confirm that Costco has introduced a nationwide change to bun size or ingredients.

Other shoppers insist their buns have always looked similar, suggesting experiences may differ by location.

At $1.50 for the combination, plenty of customers remain willing to overlook a less-than-perfect bun.

Still, the complaints demonstrate how even small changes to a familiar food can attract attention when customers have enjoyed it for years.

Crowded Food Courts Are Testing Customers’ Patience

Costco’s food court is supposed to offer an inexpensive meal before or after shopping. Unfortunately, getting that meal is not always as convenient as customers expect.

Recent coverage of Costco food court complaints described frustrations with crowded seating areas, long waits, dirty tables, and confusion around ordering and pickup.

Some shoppers dislike ordering at a kiosk only to stand around waiting for their food. Others find it difficult to locate an available table, particularly when the dining area is busy.

The food court’s low prices remain attractive. Alongside the $1.50 hot dog combination, Costco has also offered cheese and pepperoni pizza slices for $1.99. But a low-cost meal can lose some of its appeal when customers spend more time waiting than expected.

For shoppers already tired after navigating a busy warehouse, the last thing they want is another crowded area to deal with.

These experiences vary by location and time of day, but convenience remains an important part of what customers expect from Costco’s food court.

Why These Complaints Matter

Costco continues to attract loyal customers who appreciate its prices, bulk offerings, and familiar food favorites. Yet loyalty does not mean shoppers will overlook every disappointment.

Whether it is a muffin that tastes different, produce that deteriorates too quickly, or a crowded food court, these complaints share one theme: customers want the quality, convenience, and value they have come to expect.

For Costco shoppers, the best bargain is not always the lowest price. It is the purchase that still feels worthwhile after they get home.